A dedicated missionary couple from Madagascar moved to Monrovia to work with MAF in a key role on the ground.
Bako Ranarivelo does not fly a plane, but she uses her talent as part of the Mission Aviation Fellowship team bringing help, hope and healing to Liberia.
As finance manager for MAF’s programmes in Liberia and Guinea, Bako does important behind-the-scenes work to support the flying for medical aid, education and the local church in the West African countries.
She previously worked for MAF in Madagascar but left the island nation to work in the Liberian capital Monrovia.
Bako Ranarivelo oversees the financial operations, using her expertise to ensure that the organisation's resources are managed efficiently, supporting the mission's impact across Liberia and Guinea.
"Managing finances may not seem as glamorous as flying planes, but we know it’s essential, every dollar managed well means a medical team can reach a remote village or a child can go to school,” says Bako.
Bako with her husband Nary Razafinimpanana made the move to the other side of the African continent because they believe in the impact that MAF flights bring to isolated communities.
The couple have been together for 30 years and have three children (Mialy, 21, Rindra, 25, and Kanto, 27) who have remained back home in Madagascar.
She has served in MAF since 2011 as part of the Madagascar finance team, becoming the programme’s finance manager in 2016, playing an important role through careful stewardship of resources.
Nary is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who previously worked as chief medical officer at the eye hospital in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo.
"We’ve seen how every small effort counts,” Nary observes. "When we carefully manage resources, we’re enabling others to do their best work in the field. It’s all connected."
He felt the call to move to Liberia in support of his wife’s work with MAF, even though it meant giving up his role in Madagascar. Nary volunteers as a consultant ophthalmologist in Liberia’s ELWA Hospital and does outreach work.
They have embraced the country with open arms, integrating into the culture and worshiping alongside Liberians. The family loves the spirit of worship in Liberia, finding it as moving as the worship they experienced in Madagascar. They are inspired by the passionate expressions of faith and are continually amazed by the warmth and resilience of the Liberian people.
"The way Liberians worship is powerful," shares Bako. "It’s heartfelt and genuine, much like what we experienced in Madagascar. It’s a blessing to join them in worship."
One of the things that brings this couple closer to the local culture is their love for Liberian cooking. Their favourite dish is cassava leaf, a staple that connects them to the daily lives of the people they serve. Whether it’s a home cooked meal or something picked up from a local market, they enjoy the flavours and hospitality of Liberia.
Shopping, for them, is not about convenience but about the experience of exploring the country, finding treasures and stories in the lively markets and small shops.
"Cassava leaf has become a favourite in our household," laughs Nary. "It’s such a useful dish, and it reminds us of the warmth of the Liberian people."
Bako adds, "We love discovering new places to shop it’s like an adventure every time."
Beyond the support they provide, the missionary family brings a message of hope and love as they engage with the broader MAF team and local communities.
"Our work with MAF is more than just numbers," explains Bako. "It’s about making sure that the mission can continue to touch lives and provide hope where it’s needed most."
Our work with MAF is more than just numbers.
They find joy in their work and in the relationships, they build, knowing that their love for Liberia and its people is reciprocated in countless ways.
"We’re humbled by the impact we can make, even if it’s behind the scenes," says Nary. "Every day, we’re reminded that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that’s incredibly fulfilling."
We’re humbled by the impact we can make.